A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held. Attendance by invitation only.

A public lunch and gathering for Margaret (Chonko) Meiners, age 90, of Jackson will be held on Tuesday, March 31st at 12:30 PM in the Good Shepherd Catholic Church fellowship hall.

Margaret (Chonko) Meiners was born on July 20, 1935, at Jackson MN. She was the second child of John and Christina (Sabatka) Chonko. A lifelong woman of faith, Margaret was baptized at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, where she also received her First Communion on June 6, 1943, and was later confirmed on June 26, 1947.

Margaret grew up on the family farm near Loon Lake with her sister, Mary, and two brothers, John and Robert. She and her siblings were provided with a great childhood by their loving parents. Many Sundays and holidays found the farm full of aunts, uncles, and cousins having a great time creating wonderful memories.

Margaret's education began in District 111 in Minneota Township. In 1953, she graduated from Jackson High. She worked at the Chozen Store and Julian's Bakery for several years before going to the Vocational School. After a course in school secretary, she moved to Caledonia MN to work in the school system there. This job she held for many years until retirement.

It was in Caledonia she met Lester Meiners. They married June 7, 1974, and made their home in Caledonia. Margaret and Lester were always together. They especially enjoyed their time in the Lions Club. Their life together ended on November 16,1997, when Lester was called to his heavenly home. If there is a Lion's Club in heaven you can bet that is where they are now.

After Lester's death Margaret continued to live in Caledonia. She promised Lester that she would look after his mother, which she did faithfully and lovingly. Margaret shared her time, talent and treasure very unselfishly. She was sacristan at St. Mary's Catholic Church for several years finding great joy in service to her church.

Margaret suffered a stroke on May 2, 2024. She then moved to Jackson and became a resident of the Good Samaritan home.

She passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Jackson Sanford Medical Center.

Margaret is survived by her brother, John Chonko Jr.; her sister, Mary (Chonko) Newville; sister-in-law, Audrey (Tusa) Chonko; and many dear friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lester; her parents, John and Christina Chonko; her brother, Robert Chonko; brother-in-law, Donald Newville; nephew, Michael Newville; and niece, Andrea Newville.

Blessed be the memory of Margaret Ann Meiners.